Review: Can't Hardly Breathe by Gena Showalter

Can’t Hardly Breathe is the fourth book in The Original Heartbreakers series. It is only the second one that I have read, but I didn’t read the novel that comes right before this, so it can be enjoyed as a complete standalone. I thought it was a very entertaining and heart-warming read, the ending leaving me all warm and fuzzy inside.

The main characters, Dorothea (Thea) and Daniel, had each experienced their fair share of pain and tragedy. Thea, now divorced, ran the local Inn, having taken over from her mother. Daniel, whom Thea had a thing for since middle-school, had returned to town to care for his father but was also having troubles of his own, dealing with PTSD.

Daniel wanted Thea almost immediately, and he was determined to have her. Thea, although she had wanted Daniel for as long as she could remember, just wasn’t ready to open herself up to him. But Daniel wouldn’t let up and eventually Thea agreed to a few dates with him.

The negotiations between those two had me chuckling to myself and the banter between them was non-stop. They had great chemistry, I loved how well they fit together! Their relationship was a slow-burning one, but I enjoyed every minute. We got to see Thea develop into a more confident woman, finally acknowledging her worth and how Daniel began developing real feelings for her, even if he wouldn’t/couldn’t admit it to himself or anyone else for a long time. They really helped each other to grow and heal and it was a beauty to see.

Can’t Hardly Breathe is a quick read. It’s a sweet and satisfying romance, and a fine addition to the series.

-Colleen